How We Got a Machine Shop Back Into the AVL of OneSubsea, a Schlumberger company

Published July 28, 2017

Learn how Mireaux Management Solutions went all out to help Rushing Machine Shop revamp its Quality Management System and regain approved supplier status from its behemoth customer OneSubsea, a Schlumberger company.

Rushing Machine Shop, a design and manufacturer of oilfield wellhead equipment, had an API 6A Monograminglicense, and were “compliant” to API Q1. A weak Quality Management System infrastructure, coupled with poor implementation, had forced employees to use and follow an “informal” system. Although they had gone through several API audits, as any other API monogram holder would, luck eventually caught up with them when OneSubsea, a Schlumberger company – one of their major customers – performed an audit and showed them a not-so-pretty picture of their QMS. In essence, Rushing Machine Shop needed to shape up or they would be phased out as an approved vendor.

Rushing Machine Shop was disappointed not just on the results, but also on the fact that they had hired a consultant before, and therefore felt cheated or betrayed because the audit results showed their QMS was lacking basic elements. And here is where Mireaux enters the picture. After checking out Mireaux’s stellar reviews, S. Smith contacted Mireaux requesting assistance for recovering from this audit. Mireaux reviewed the audit results and immediately suggested that a full revamp was in order. Smith and his team agreed, and not long after the proposal had been “sent” Mireaux was already receiving the retainer payment in the mail. “They really need this to be done, and they need it fast” were the words Miriam Boudreaux, CEO of Mireaux Management Solutions told her team. And so they proceeded to assemble the team – composed of a Consultant, Technical Writer, and Auditor – that would be assigned to this high task.

As OneSubsea, a Schlumberger company, was growing impatient, Rushing Machine proved their commitment by showing they had hired Mireaux as the consulting firm. Meetings were held with all three parties to ensure that there was a good understanding of the task and the urgency. Boudreaux recalls, “OneSubsea, a Schlumberger company, was very direct in that a miracle was almost needed for Rushing to come up to par and regain AVL status. So we knew that we had to help a lot, but we also knew that we could not just patch things because their QMS infrastructure was weak. They needed a brand new infrastructure and that takes time. We also knew that we could not do it all or they would not ‘own’ their system and therefore will fall back into their old ways. It was clear that we needed to strike a balance between how much help we provided and how much they took upon themselves to ensure a successful implementation.”

For several weeks the Mireaux and Rushing Machine teams worked diligently, both at Rushing Machine’s plant and Mireaux’s office. From mapping all their core processes, to ensuring calibration items were up to date, to training the whole staff, and performing their Internal Audit – all bases were fully covered.

After a few months, we are now happy to report that Rushing Machine Shop underwent a follow up audit by OneSubsea, a Schlumberger company, and passed with flying colors. The team at Rushing Machine showed extensive progress and knowledge of their Quality Management System against the requirements of API Specification Q1, 9th Edition. A member of the initial Cameron Subsea team complemented Mireaux, “I am very pleased with the results that you and your team helped to achieve. Congratulations to you for your diligence, inputs, and hard work. I believe the collaboration was an overall success considering the very short timeline.” Mireaux took pride in the feedback, proving once again that our processes work, and that shortcuts are not allowed when it comes to implementing a well-rounded QMS; but additional resources, in terms of time and people can definitely be of great value in expediting achievement of the ultimate goal.

About Rushing Machine Shop:

Rushing Machine Shop is a full service machine shop located in White Oak, Texas. Rushing has achieve API-6A Monogram status for their Wellhead and Christmas Tree products. Rushing Machine can handle casing hangers, segments, companion flanges, B1, B2P and SSA. Founded in the year 1978, Rushing Machine Shop has been operating for nearly 39 years.

About Mireaux:

Mireaux Management Solutions is a Technology and Consulting firm headquartered in Houston, TX. Mireaux assists organizations in the implementation of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and ISO 27001 standards, as well as the API Specification Q1 9th Edition and API Specification Q2. Mireaux also provides Auditing Services, and Training Services, on-site and public courses, including API-U certified courses. Mireaux also provides its proprietary software Web QMS to handle all your ISO and API certification needs.